Dusty Baker is retiring after managing in the major leagues for 26 seasons, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. “I’ve still got a lot to offer; baseball has been my life,” Baker told the newspaper. “I have a lifetime of knowledge, much more than those who have never played the game.” Baker’s final season with the Houston Astros ended when they were eliminated in the American League Championship Series by the Texas Rangers. There were speculations that the 74-year-old Baker would retire after the loss. During his four seasons with the Astros, he won two pennants and one World Series title in 2021, which was his first as a manager.
Before becoming a manager, Baker spent 19 seasons as an All-Star outfielder in the majors. He started his managerial career with the San Francisco Giants in 1993 and led them to three postseason berths, including a pennant in 2002. He then managed the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Washington Nationals, and finally, the Astros. All of these teams made it to the playoffs under his leadership, and he won a total of three pennants and three NL Manager of the Year awards.
Throughout his career as a manager, Baker had a record of 2,183-1,862, ranking seventh all-time in wins. He also ranks fourth all-time in postseason wins with 57 and fourth among major-league managers in total postseason appearances with 13. He was also the first Black manager to achieve 2,000 career wins. His success, combined with his World Series title in 2021, strengthens his case for the Hall of Fame.
With Baker’s retirement, the Houston Astros will need to find a new manager for the 2024 season and beyond. The Astros have been contenders in recent years, winning two World Series since 2017 and reaching at least the ALCS in seven consecutive seasons.
